Looking for a hearty weeknight dinner idea? Try this easy homemade Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie made with savory meats and peppers, perfect for a quick family favorite meal, Save for later

Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie

Introduction

This Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a show-stopping dish that combines the savory flavors of hamburger, sausage, and pepperoni in a deep, satisfying pie. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. By using everyday ingredients in a creative way, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re a meat lover or just looking for a new twist on classic comfort food, this pie is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of hamburger, sausage, and pepperoni provides a rich, meaty flavor that’s balanced by the savory goodness of the pie crust and the melted cheese on top. Plus, all of the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, making it easy to whip up this dish at a moment’s notice.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this pie is surprisingly easy to make. Simply cook the hamburger, sausage, and pepperoni, mix it with some tomato sauce and cheese, and pour it into a pre-made pie crust. Top with more cheese and bake until golden brown – it’s that simple!
Impressive results with minimal effort: The best part about this pie is that it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just a quick weeknight meal, this pie is sure to impress.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie are ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a pre-made pie crust. You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced onions or bell peppers, or using different types of cheese or meat. Some practical substitutions you can make include using ground turkey or pork instead of beef, or using sliced ham or bacon instead of pepperoni. The pie crust can also be made from scratch if you prefer, or you can use a gluten-free crust for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly, then set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Roll out the pre-made pie crust and place it in a deep-dish pie plate. Fill the pie crust with the meat and sauce mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

Make sure to cook the meat until it is no longer pink, as this will help prevent foodborne illness. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat – it should be at least 160°F (71°C) for ground beef and sausage.
Don’t overfill the pie crust, as this can cause the filling to spill over during baking. Leave a little room around the edges of the pie crust for the filling to expand during baking.
Consider using a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, for a richer, more complex flavor. You can also add some diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the pie is 375°F (190°C), and it should be baked for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check the pie for doneness by looking for a golden brown crust and melted, bubbly cheese. If you’re unsure whether the pie is done, you can insert a knife into the center of the pie – if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

Crunch Factor

The crust of the pie should be crispy and golden brown, while the filling should be hot and bubbly. To achieve this, make sure to bake the pie at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. You can also brush the crust with a little bit of egg wash or melted butter before baking to help it brown and crisp up.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, for a richer, more complex flavor. You can also add some grated romano or asiago cheese for extra depth of flavor.
Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also use some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for extra freshness and flavor.
Make sure to let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the filling to set and the crust to crisp up. You can also serve the pie with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake the pie in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Consider using airtight containers or zip-top bags to store the pie, as this will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. You can also wrap the pie in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection.
When reheating the pie, make sure to check it frequently to avoid overheating. You can also reheat the pie in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the crust to become soggy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a great gift idea for friends and family, especially during the holidays. Consider packaging the pie in a decorative tin or aluminum foil pan, and wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also add a gift tag or card with serving instructions and a personal message. If you want to get creative, you can also make a few individual-sized pies and package them in small containers or bags for a fun and easy gift.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Consider adding some dried oregano, basil, or thyme to the meat mixture for extra flavor. You can also use some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick! For example, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a flavorful and spicy pie.
🌟 Creative toppings: Think about adding some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the top of the pie before baking. You can also use some sliced olives or pepperoncini for extra flavor and texture. For example, you can sprinkle some diced onions and sliced olives on top of the pie before baking for a flavorful and colorful topping.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: Consider using ground turkey or pork instead of beef, or using sliced ham or bacon instead of pepperoni. You can also use some different types of cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for a unique flavor. For example, you can use 1 pound of ground turkey and 1/2 cup of sliced ham instead of ground beef and pepperoni for a leaner and more flavorful pie.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the crust is too soggy, try baking the pie for a few more minutes to crisp it up. If the filling is too dry, try adding a little bit of tomato sauce or water to moisten it. For example, you can bake the pie for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the crust, or add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to the filling to moisten it.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey or pork instead. If you don’t have pepperoni, you can use sliced ham or bacon. For example, you can use 1 pound of ground turkey instead of ground beef, or 1/2 cup of sliced ham instead of pepperoni.
Over/undercooking signs: If the crust is too brown, it may be overcooked. If the filling is too hot and bubbly, it may be overcooked. If the crust is too pale, it may be undercooked. For example, you can check the crust for a golden brown color and the filling for a hot and bubbly texture to ensure that the pie is cooked to perfection.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to reheat, simply bake the pie in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Is it gluten-free? No, the pie crust contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version of the recipe by using a gluten-free pie crust or making your own gluten-free crust from scratch. For example, you can use a gluten-free pie crust made from rice flour or almond flour, or make your own gluten-free crust using a mixture of gluten-free flours and xanthan gum.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger pie. Simply multiply all of the ingredients by two and bake the pie in a larger pie dish. For example, you can use 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of sliced pepperoni, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to make a larger pie.

Conclusion

This Deep Hamburger, Sausage & Pepperoni Pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, meaty flavor and crispy, golden brown crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just a quick weeknight meal, this pie is sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and make this pie your own! Consider making a few individual-sized pies and packaging them in small containers or bags for a fun and easy gift, or experiment with different spices and toppings to create a unique flavor. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and satisfying pie.

Meaty Hamburger Sausage Pepperoni Deep Dish